College BB: ACC Preview, Part 3

In the final installment of this three-part series, we'll take a look at North Carolina State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest...

#24 North Carolina State

State was surprisingly good last year, making a run for the ACC Tournament title.

This year they have Brandon Costner and Ben McCauly back, with freshman J.J. Hickson leading a solid 2007 recruiting class.

Guard play will ultimately determine the outcome for the Pack—but look for a second-place finish (that's right, a second-place finish) in the ACC, and no less than a Sweet 16 run in the postseason.

Virginia

Sean Singletary's decision to stay with the team was the lone bright spot in the Cavaliers' offseason.

With the loss of JR Reynolds, one of the ACC's best all-time guard duos is no more—and this Virginia team won't be as strong as last year's ACC contenders.

I predict a sixth-place finish for Virginia, with an NCAA berth.

Virginia Tech

Although Deron Washington is still around, the loss of Zabion Dowdell and Jamon Gordon will hurt the Hokies.

I don't see a good finish for VA Tech this season, due to inexperience and overall lack of skill.

Look for a tenth-place finish and, at best, an NIT berth.

Wake Forest

The death of beloved coach Skip Prosser will loom large for the Deacons this season. 

Wake was a bad team last year, and will be a bad team this year. Look for a last-place finish and no postseason action.